Top Row: WCBA Executive Director Isabel Barney, WCBA Vice President and Chair of the Public Service Committee Hon. Lissette Fernandez, Yessica Caceres from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, WCBA Director of Member Engagement and Senior Attorney, Neighbors Link Melanie Zamenhof 

Seated: WCBA Board Member and Executive Director of the Westchester Human Rights Commission Tejash Sanchala  and My Sisters Place Managing Attorney Luis Leon 

The Westchester County Bar Association (WCBA) is proud to announce that its Community Education Program has been honored with the prestigious LexisNexis Community & Educational Outreach Award, recognizing outstanding bar public service and law-related education programs across the nation. The award was presented during the Association for Bar Professionals’ Annual Meeting in August.

The free virtual Community Education event was done in partnership with US Pathways and long-time WCBA nonprofit partner Neighbors Link. The program featured presentations from attorneys from My Sisters’ Place, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Neighbors Link, Catholic Charities Community Services, as well as the Westchester County Human Rights Commission.

The Community Education initiative was developed by the WCBA Public Service Committee to empower and educate immigrant communities about their legal rights in a rapidly evolving landscape. Through collaborative efforts with nonprofit organizations, legal experts, and community leaders, the program continues to provide critical legal education and support to vulnerable populations.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award,” said WCBA president Brian Cohen. “This recognition underscores the importance of accessible legal education and the power of community partnership in advancing justice for all.”

Melanie Zamenhof, Senior Attorney for the New York Legal Response Team at Neighbors Link said, “during this time of rapidly shifting federal immigration policies, it is critically important that we equip community members with knowledge about constitutional rights, executive orders, changes to immigration law, and assistance that is available in our community. We are grateful for the recognition of the importance of sharing this vital information with impacted community members.”

The LexisNexis Community and  Educational Outreach Awards, presented annually by NABE, celebrate bar associations and foundations that demonstrate excellence in public service and law-related education. There is no limit to the number of submissions a bar association may enter, and winners are announced each year at the National Association for Bar Professionals (NABE) Annual Meeting.